The Power of Connections: Networking Opportunities at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2025

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As the anticipation builds for 3DEXPERIENCE World 2025, one of the most exciting parts of the event is the networking opportunities awaiting attendees in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. This annual gathering of designers, engineers, makers, and industry professionals has always been about more than just technical sessions and keynotes—it’s a celebration of the connections that drive innovation and inspire collaboration. It’s a chance to catch up with long-time friends and make some new connections.

Here’s a glimpse of the primary networking opportunities that make 3DEXPERIENCE World 2025 a must-attend event.

The Hive

The Hive returns this year as the heart of 3DEXPERIENCE World’s networking scene. Designed as a central gathering spot, it’s where first-time attendees meet seasoned professionals, mentors connect with mentees, and spontaneous conversations spark new ideas. You can expect to find some comfy furniture and an inviting atmosphere, creating a casual space with good vibes all around.

This year, The Hive will be located within the Playground, which means that you won’t miss any of the action. We will also have some larger-than-life vehicles designed in SOLIDWORKS, complete with the talented people who helped create them.

To top it all off, our marketing team has created a large-scale graphical timeline that illustrates the history of SOLIDWORKS. This should be a lot of fun, allowing long-time SOLIDWORKS users to take a trip down memory lane.

Meetup Sessions

Back by popular demand, Meetup Sessions offer dedicated spaces for networking. This year, we have over 20 Meetup opportunities, including panel discussions, speed networking, topic-driven Meetups, roundtable discussions, the famous Top 10, and much more. These sessions are live and in-person so get ready to meet new people and make new friends.

New this year, we’ll have a few special networking opportunities for women. There will be a Women in Technology panel, roundtable discussions, and a special meetup before the Special Event on Tuesday night.

Whether you’re a SOLIDWORKS User Group leader, a certified power user, or a student exploring a future in design, these sessions are your chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passions.

 

Networking Nights

The fun continues with networking events when the sun sets, blending Texas charm with a dash of innovation. From casual mixers at local venues to organized dinners with industry leaders, these evenings are designed to foster camaraderie in a relaxed setting. With Houston’s rich culinary and cultural scene as the backdrop, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day of technical breakout sessions and build relationships. Every night of the week, you can find a networking event at 3DEXPERIENCE World.

Saturday night offers the CAD Monkey Dinner, the unofficial start to the week. On Sunday, we will feature a welcome reception inside The Playground, giving you your first look at The Hive, The Maker Zone, The Shop Floor, and much more.

If you are a certified SOLIDWORKS Expert, you can’t miss the CSWE Reception on Monday where you get the chance to network with some of the world’s best SOLIDWORKS users. Tuesday night is the biggest night of the week, featuring the Special Event. Everyone at the conference is invited to partake in this big party. If you are a SOLIDWORKS User Group Leader or a SOLIDWORKS Champion, we offer a private dinner on Wednesday night to close out the week.

Join Us in Houston

3DEXPERIENCE World 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, not just for the technical knowledge and innovation on display, but for the relationships attendees will build. Whether you’re coming to learn, teach, collaborate, or be inspired, the connections you make here will be the true takeaway.

Mark your calendar for February 23-26, 2025, and get ready to experience the power of networking in Houston, TX. We can’t wait to see you there!

 

Dan Wagner

Dan Wagner

Dan is manager of the SOLIDWORKS User Group Network (SWUGN). he has spent over 12 years in the reseller channel providing technical support to SOLIDWORKS users, teaching SOLIDWORKS classes, and delivering marketing & sales presentations to new and experienced SOLIDWORKS users. He is a Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert and is thrilled to continue serving the SOLIDWORKS community for many years to come.